I guess most of us have been there. Well, most of us who live far from the family and school friends that were there always for you. While having a busy life and many opportunities and chances for travels there is sometimes no other option than kennel or a dog sitter. For me, no matter how much I would reassure myself that my boys will be fine, I remain anxious. It is very human, I know and dogs have a bit different feelings, however it was proven that they also miss and get sad. And as I translate it to the human language, I don’t want them to be sad! oh, we complicate things for ourselves.
My point is, if there is anything we could do to smooth the procedure of leaving dog alone with someone we barely know for the extended period of time (and by that I mean more than 1 day).
Here is what I do:
I gather as much information about this person as possible, preferably I work with someone recommended (however this is not always possible)
I meet with this person and my dogs beforehead, first in the park to see if there is a ‘click’, to get to know this person a bit better
I prefer to visit this person, with my dogs in his/her home, so dogs are familiar with the scent and the environment and also I can see the conditions they are staying in
I prepare the ‘manual’ and however strange it might sound, this is very handy for the dog sitter and all of them were very greatful for it. In the end it is you who knows your dog the best and you should not expect it from the person who sees him for the first time or randomly (‘manual’ includes information about feeding routine, toilet/walks routine, favourite play, behaviour at home, snacks etc, every dog is unique so should be the ‘manual’)
As the old saying reveals: first time is the worst and this also applies to leaving your dog with someone else. It is very important to start preparing you dog (and yourself!) as soon as possible that not always you could be together. I could really recommend (if time and money allows) to start with few sessions, just to practice, 2-3 days away from home. This would make it easier for you (and your furry friend) when you really have to go away and leave him behind for few days. Specially that during the ‘practice’ you are available if anything happens. Most of the time nothing happens but it takes practice to realize that other people can also care well for our loved one :)
And the most important – stay positive! Needles to say your dog picks up on your energy, if you are anxious, nervous and upset when leaving your dog, so he will be!
And think about that – while you are away, your dog would have a kind of holidays as well! There will be someone focused on him for the whole day or the most of it and he won’t have to be alone for long hours, while you’re at work. As much as you, your dog deserves holidays and new experiences as well!